The City Commission voted 4-1 this month to draft a resolution that would grant free medical insurance to Ray Paige, who retired on April 3 as the city`s public works/utilities director.

The proposal was blasted by Commissioner Dan Lewis, who cast the dissenting vote.

``I think it`s inappropriate for this commission to continue trying to pass legislation that benefits one person,`` Lewis said. ``This type of behavior is a hold-over from the past that should be flushed.``

Members of the General Association of Miramar Employees who retire after 25 years receive the insurance benefit for eight years. But the City Commission in the past also has provided the coverage to retired department heads who are not members of the union.

Commissioner Michael Tagg said at the meeting that he supported giving the benefit to Paige because he thought that all departments were entitled to the same benefits as union employees.

``It`s been that way here since I can remember,`` Tagg said.

Paige, 50, said he also thought he was eligible for the benefit and has written a letter to the commission asking for clarification on the matter.

``Based upon my review of the public hearing transcript ... I am under the impression that the City Commission`s intent was to have the (amendment) apply to me,`` Paige wrote. ``Technically, I am not a member of GAME, but going by justice and equity in the past history of the city, the GAME contract had been treated as being applicable to certain appointed department heads like myself.``

But City Attorney Rafael Suarez-Rivas said the City Commission`s proposal to give Paige the benefit may possibly violate state laws, which stipulate that ``no extra compensation shall be made to any officer, agent, employee or contractor after the service has been rendered or the contract made.``

``The city is not legally obligated to give this benefit to department heads,`` Suarez-Rivas said.

The City Commission is expected to review the resolution Suarez-Rivas is drafting at its August meeting.